Carrie Beth Taylor: FACES of Birmingham
Meet local artist Carrie Beth Taylor, today's FACE of Birmingham.
Todayβs FACE of Birmingham,Β Carrie Beth Taylor, is an amazing illustrator who is well known for her fashionista, bridal, home and pet watercolor prints, as well as fine stationery. She has been commissioned by celebrity designers, such as Lauren Conrad, and fine retailers, such as Birmingham-based Gus Mayer, and also by Kohlβs. Her signature watercolor style is instantly recognizable.Β WeΒ are delighted to introduce you to the lovely, talented Carrie Beth!
Where did you grow up? And what brought you to Birmingham?
I grew up in LA β¦ lower Alabama. After graduating from the University of Alabama, my sorority sisters and I migrated to Birmingham together like a tribe. I guess we were still in the βLove in Our Bondβ mode?!
Tell us how you got started as an artist.
Like most artists, as a wee tot. My dad is a composer and mom is a seamstress. Itβs safe to say they knew I wouldnβt be a mathematician, right? They embraced my artsy flair and placed me in private art lessons at a young age.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in having happy clients. My art is my business, so in the end, itβs all about getting a grasp of their vision and successfully putting it on paper.
Fashion seems to play a large role in your watercolors. Is fashion another passion of yours?
Mother has always called me a clothes horse. But doesnβt βconnoisseur of fine threadsβ sound so much better?Β Yes. I do have a love of fashion. Designer clothing evolves from a sketch on paper. It goes hand in hand with art.
What is your βmust haveβ purchase for the Fall 2013 season?
Just one? Youβve thrown me in a fash-holeβ¦. TheΒ βSerena Leggingβ from Lauren ConradβsΒ Paper CrownΒ is a must for me this season.
What did your bedroom look like as a teenage girl?
Well, like Laura Ashley dropped a bomb and Pepe jeans came in behind with a machine gun and blew tight rolled denim all over the floor. Remember this was in mid-nineties.
Whatβs the best piece of advice youβve ever been given?
βJust ask. All they can say is no.β My mother always said this to me growing up.Β That advice has taken me far!
What advice would you give to others?
Be kind. You never really know what someone may be going through.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A lot of my relax time is spent with my little boy. He loves to cuddle and watch The Adventures of Milo and Otis.
Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?
Eat, drink, laugh, dance β¦ as long as thereβs fun, Iβm on board!
Favorite local restaurant?
Iβm a Bottega Cafe fan. The food, the atmosphere and the bartenders are my fav.
What are you listening to these days?
Johnny Cash and Jeff Bridges are shuffling around in my iTunes
What books are you currently reading?
Curious George Goes to College, Whereβs Waldo, Tip the Mouse and Spider-man vs. Venom.
Do you have any personality quirks or irrational fears?
At the risk of sabotaging my dating life, I plead the fifth.
If your house was on fire whatβs the one non living thing you would grab?
Jewelry box. Inside are pieces of both my great grandmotherβs jewels that were passed down.
I was fortunate to know them both very wellβ¦so they mean a great deal to me.
Name three things you canβt live without excluding friends, family and God.
1. Batiste Dry Shampoo. It saves me about 4 hours a week that I would lose to a blow dryer.
2. Red lipstick. Caffeine for my face.
3. Diet Dr. Pepper. Caffeine for my body.
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